I have hoped not to abandon my position that the church can and should close the achievement gap, but I believe I must, at least for now. After careful consideration, the idea, at least part of it, has become untenable. Actually, I still think the church should strive to close the gap. The problem is measuring the church's impact on our education system. For example, Pastor Louie at Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship, along with members of the church, hosted a rummage sale that raised $700 for the Jones Elementary School's summer reading program. The problem is, there's really no way to know if the church's donation will be part of what affects the students over the summer. As my brother, who is a PhD student at Kansas University said, more research is required. Well, the simple fact is that I'm a Master of Education student, a full-time sailor, a father and husband, not necessarily in that order. I don't have the ability or resources to know if what SMCF did will be a direct catalyst for change in the lives of some of those students.
My mind tells me that it's impossible for the donation not to make an impact. The simple fact is that I can't prove it. And even if I could prove it, I can't guarantee that it will close the achievement gap for that school.
What I do know is that a lack of resources in local schools is a major contributor to the achievement gap. According to Snipes and Horwitz (2009, pg 13), "Improving student literacy in urban districts will also require a considerable investment of resources to mount interventions and support research on effective strategies. This will most likely entail new funding from both the state and federal levels to support the programs and professional development that will be needed at the local level to do what we already know needs to be done to bolster instruction in vocabulary and comprehension."
In my opinion, what SMCF has undertaken is an intervention, tantamount to action research, if you will. What we don't have is the before and after to prove it worked. But that isn't needed to know the truth.
The truth is that churches should be following suite. Let's say for a moment that churches not only can't close the achievement gap, but shouldn't be held responsible for doing so. I will stipulate to both of these conditions for the time being due to a lack of research. What we do know is that local public schools need help, and that the help they need rests not with the state, as almost all states are currently cutting back in education, but with the one resource no one has thought to address...the church.
Source:
Snipes, J.,and Horwitz, A. (2008, Fall). Advancing adolescent literacy in urban schools. The Council of the Great City Schools: Research Brief.
Navy Rant...Bear with me.
I was watching some youtube videos about old ships like the Bismark and it got me thinking about how there is no great menace today. It's hard to think about an equal foe on the sea when our biggest competitor is a skiff owner with an AK-47. Yes, they are clearly getting their licks in, against defenseless civilians, but they have not directly taken on any Navy, much less mine.
It's not that there aren't some pretty powerful ships out there. The most powerful, purely from a weapons platform perspective, is probably the Kirov class battlecruiser in service with the Russian Northern Fleet. She's a 24,000 ton brute and honestly quite pretty to view from a Navy perspective. However, she is quite old as well, older than even my cruiser, the USS Antietam. There is also a carrier in service with the Russian fleet named the Kuznetzov. I can appreciate her lines and enormous payload, but she is not the Enterprise, or any other of our carriers for that matter.
Aside from the Kirov class, the only thing that even causes a modern Navy fellow to worry (besides submarines) is the Sovremenny class destroyers in service with the PLA Navy. And truth be told, they are destroyers. It's unfitting to be afraid of another man's destroyers. There's just something wrong with that. The Bismark sailors weren't afraid of destroyers, why should Antietam sailors be afraid of Chinese destroyers?
As a boy and even now, I've read countless accounts of the Bismark and the British response. I've also read about massive naval engagements from Leyte Gulf to Tsushima Straits. But there are no more Shinano's, Yamato's, or Bismark's. No one to cause concern. I'm glad, in some way, to know this. It's not that I want to perish in one of the major battles of Naval history. Still, what would it be like if we weren't the only ones out there?
Or maybe the question to ask is, "What was it like to know the Bismark was on the loose?" I wish I knew some old salts who could tell me.
In honor of those sailors who went before me, both German and British, as well as all men and women to have sailed in men of war, I leave you with Johnny Horton's, "Sink the Bismark."
It's not that there aren't some pretty powerful ships out there. The most powerful, purely from a weapons platform perspective, is probably the Kirov class battlecruiser in service with the Russian Northern Fleet. She's a 24,000 ton brute and honestly quite pretty to view from a Navy perspective. However, she is quite old as well, older than even my cruiser, the USS Antietam. There is also a carrier in service with the Russian fleet named the Kuznetzov. I can appreciate her lines and enormous payload, but she is not the Enterprise, or any other of our carriers for that matter.
Aside from the Kirov class, the only thing that even causes a modern Navy fellow to worry (besides submarines) is the Sovremenny class destroyers in service with the PLA Navy. And truth be told, they are destroyers. It's unfitting to be afraid of another man's destroyers. There's just something wrong with that. The Bismark sailors weren't afraid of destroyers, why should Antietam sailors be afraid of Chinese destroyers?
As a boy and even now, I've read countless accounts of the Bismark and the British response. I've also read about massive naval engagements from Leyte Gulf to Tsushima Straits. But there are no more Shinano's, Yamato's, or Bismark's. No one to cause concern. I'm glad, in some way, to know this. It's not that I want to perish in one of the major battles of Naval history. Still, what would it be like if we weren't the only ones out there?
Or maybe the question to ask is, "What was it like to know the Bismark was on the loose?" I wish I knew some old salts who could tell me.
In honor of those sailors who went before me, both German and British, as well as all men and women to have sailed in men of war, I leave you with Johnny Horton's, "Sink the Bismark."
Miscellaneous Thoughts on the Navy
I'm on leave right now for a week. I needed the break, even though I'm about to take a break anyway with my transfer coming up in a few weeks. We have some friends visiting this week, however, so it seemed like a good time to take vacation. I also have a lot going on in my Education Psychology class, with a 10-page rough draft and a virtual field trip report due this week. So it's still going to be busy, but I am on vacation...ish.
It's an interesting time in my Navy career. I just passed my 14 year mark and with one shore duty (Great Lakes) and one sea duty (unknown) left, I can really see the "light at the end of the tunnel." I'm up for a promotion this year to chief, which would really round out my career, and of course the US Navy is paying for my education right now, so I'm only paying for books. While that doesn't necessarily relate to the time period I'm in right now, it's still a great situation to be in, and I'm finally high enough in the management ladder to see how the concepts I'm learning in grad school relate to life in the Navy.
Leaving the USS ANTIETAM is both the most surreal thing for me and the most gratifying. Surreal because I've been on board for over 4.75 years, and when one spends that much time on a ship, he or she becomes a staple of the command. That doesn't mean I'm important, just that I'm there. It's going to be weird not to be there anymore. It's gratifying almost for the same reason. In short, it's time to go.
I'm looking forward to the next step in my career, both making chief (whenever that happens) and going to my shore duty command. While the Navy doesn't teach the same way it did when I was in Great Lakes, I do look forward to guiding young sailors, just like I have been doing on the ship. I also look forward to starting over. Each new command is a fresh start, a new chance to prove myself and grow. Should be fun, if not a little challenging. I heard some rough things about the command that I'm not particularly happy about, but we'll see how it goes.
It's an interesting time in my Navy career. I just passed my 14 year mark and with one shore duty (Great Lakes) and one sea duty (unknown) left, I can really see the "light at the end of the tunnel." I'm up for a promotion this year to chief, which would really round out my career, and of course the US Navy is paying for my education right now, so I'm only paying for books. While that doesn't necessarily relate to the time period I'm in right now, it's still a great situation to be in, and I'm finally high enough in the management ladder to see how the concepts I'm learning in grad school relate to life in the Navy.
Leaving the USS ANTIETAM is both the most surreal thing for me and the most gratifying. Surreal because I've been on board for over 4.75 years, and when one spends that much time on a ship, he or she becomes a staple of the command. That doesn't mean I'm important, just that I'm there. It's going to be weird not to be there anymore. It's gratifying almost for the same reason. In short, it's time to go.
I'm looking forward to the next step in my career, both making chief (whenever that happens) and going to my shore duty command. While the Navy doesn't teach the same way it did when I was in Great Lakes, I do look forward to guiding young sailors, just like I have been doing on the ship. I also look forward to starting over. Each new command is a fresh start, a new chance to prove myself and grow. Should be fun, if not a little challenging. I heard some rough things about the command that I'm not particularly happy about, but we'll see how it goes.
Partnering with Local Schools, Pt II
Pastor Juarez had an immediate goal of answering the question, "If out church disappeared, would anyone in the community miss us?" It was a noble and sobering question. Then, setting out to make sure that question could be answered in a "yes!", Pastor Juarez met the local principal to see if the school could use some help. His hypotheses was that the school might need maintenance on the building or some painting done, but what he got was a wonderful opportunity to address one of the greatest needs in schools today.
The Principal was eager to get help, but the shortage was not in maintenance. Rather, she felt that the church's partnership could be best served by supporting a summer reading program. In order to encourage students to read, the church was asked to provide awards for the program.Pastor Juarez involved the congregation and local community in the rummage sale project, gathering donated items and encouraging the community to come out and support the event.
By the end of the day, Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship had raised $700 for the summer reading program. There are, in my opinion, several take-aways from this event:
1. Public schools aren't as afraid to work with you as you might think. Pastors can partner with local schools. Maybe not all the time, maybe not exactly the way you think, but it's possible.
2. Churches can directly affect the achievement gap. Of course the impact of Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship won't be felt until the students know about the awards and have earned them, but motivating students to read during a summer reading program can directly affect the ability of a student to move from "basic" to "proficient" or "advanced." The school gets pretty good marks in English Language Arts as it is (60% at or above proficient, compared to 53% statewide), but is clearly better in math as a whole (72% at or above proficient). The school gets an 8 rating on Great Schools website, yet Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship is getting a great opportunity to help push those numbers up.
I've received several questions to my previous posts about how churches can help schools close the achievement gap. Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship shows one way it can be done. One of the biggest problems with schools is a lack of resources, according to data I've seen. That seems to mirror what Pastor Juarez found at Jones Elementary School. Furthermore, the church is now directly benefiting the reading program, which should help more students move up from basic to proficient and above!
Well done Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship!
Churches Helping Public Schools
This is what I'm talking about:
Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship, a church my wife and I have visited, hosted a rummage sale to benefit nearby Jones Elementary School. This is the sort of involvement that I applaud from churches supporting public schools.
I hope to get an interview with the pastor shortly. When I do, I'll post it here.
Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship, a church my wife and I have visited, hosted a rummage sale to benefit nearby Jones Elementary School. This is the sort of involvement that I applaud from churches supporting public schools.
I hope to get an interview with the pastor shortly. When I do, I'll post it here.
Father's Day at the Smith House
I know a million things could go wrong today, but it has started marvelously. First, a particular verse stuck out in my mind from my daily proverbs reading (I try to read the corresponding chapter in Proverbs for what day it is).
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.
I think I am a righteous man, certainly because of the blood of Christ, but I have learned to make good decisions also due to some great mentors in my life (thanks "dads!"), as well as learning from my own father. Unfortunately, I also learn from the mistakes I've personally made. This is all part of a man's road. I certainly don't lead a blameless life, of course. I just hope that the benefits of a life of integrity will allow for the same blessings for my children that this verse alludes to.
The crux of that paragraph is for the second line, not the first. I want my children to be blessed. I suppose all men want their children to be better off then they are, so that isn't anything new. I am not any better than any other man, at least those men who are striving to help their children be better off.
After reading the Bible, I went downstairs to my son yelling, "surprise! Happy Father's Day!" What a way to start the morning! And on the table were my gifts:
Yes...I got Star Trek for Father's Day! You have no idea how cool that is! For more detail, take a look at this one too:
This is what the coolest wife in the world gives to her geek husband! Thank you Alicia! I love you!
And I love you Timothy and Samantha. I hope you can be blessed after me.
7 The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.
I think I am a righteous man, certainly because of the blood of Christ, but I have learned to make good decisions also due to some great mentors in my life (thanks "dads!"), as well as learning from my own father. Unfortunately, I also learn from the mistakes I've personally made. This is all part of a man's road. I certainly don't lead a blameless life, of course. I just hope that the benefits of a life of integrity will allow for the same blessings for my children that this verse alludes to.
The crux of that paragraph is for the second line, not the first. I want my children to be blessed. I suppose all men want their children to be better off then they are, so that isn't anything new. I am not any better than any other man, at least those men who are striving to help their children be better off.
After reading the Bible, I went downstairs to my son yelling, "surprise! Happy Father's Day!" What a way to start the morning! And on the table were my gifts:
This is what the coolest wife in the world gives to her geek husband! Thank you Alicia! I love you!
And I love you Timothy and Samantha. I hope you can be blessed after me.
Glaucoma Checkup
For those of you who don't know, I have glaucoma. It's not something that really impacts my life at the moment because I'm young and it was caught in the early stages, but it's still a condition that I am saddled with. I can't complain, of course. I have to take one eye-drop per eye every day. My daughter has somewhere around 25 pills a day of various types, as well as other treatments for her cystic fibrosis.
Yesterday I was at Naval Medical Center San Diego (otherwise known as Balboa Navy Hospital) for my semi-annual checkup. They will become annuals from now on. When I was diagnosed, my eye pressures were 28 in my right eye and 20 in my left. Good scores are 10-20, so my left was borderline and my right was off the charts, literally.
Thankfully, with the treatments and catching it early, my pressures are now 14 in each eye, well within limits. That doesn't mean that I still won't suffer some optical nerve damage someday and lose some of my eyesight, but it does mean that hopefully we've put off that damage significantly. God is good to me. Had I not had a simple desire for a new pair of reading glasses, it wouldn't have been caught.
For those who are interested in the details, I have what is called Pigment Dispersion Syndrome. Basically, my iris pigment leaks into my eye drainage and clogs it up, which increases pressure in my eye because the fluids that are in my eye and supposed to drain out can't. Even if the pigment dispersion could be stopped, I would still have glaucoma because it had already caused the problem. Had it been caught before I developed glaucoma, I would have probably been ok. So it goes.
Ironically, Pigment Dispersion Syndrome most likely won't cause my eye to lose its color. I felt weird asking that yesterday, but I figured it was something to learn.
So I have a relatively clean bill of health to move forward on for my trip to Great Lakes this summer. Once I get there, I'll check in with an ophthalmologist and set up my next yearly appointment.
Yesterday I was at Naval Medical Center San Diego (otherwise known as Balboa Navy Hospital) for my semi-annual checkup. They will become annuals from now on. When I was diagnosed, my eye pressures were 28 in my right eye and 20 in my left. Good scores are 10-20, so my left was borderline and my right was off the charts, literally.
Thankfully, with the treatments and catching it early, my pressures are now 14 in each eye, well within limits. That doesn't mean that I still won't suffer some optical nerve damage someday and lose some of my eyesight, but it does mean that hopefully we've put off that damage significantly. God is good to me. Had I not had a simple desire for a new pair of reading glasses, it wouldn't have been caught.
For those who are interested in the details, I have what is called Pigment Dispersion Syndrome. Basically, my iris pigment leaks into my eye drainage and clogs it up, which increases pressure in my eye because the fluids that are in my eye and supposed to drain out can't. Even if the pigment dispersion could be stopped, I would still have glaucoma because it had already caused the problem. Had it been caught before I developed glaucoma, I would have probably been ok. So it goes.
Ironically, Pigment Dispersion Syndrome most likely won't cause my eye to lose its color. I felt weird asking that yesterday, but I figured it was something to learn.
So I have a relatively clean bill of health to move forward on for my trip to Great Lakes this summer. Once I get there, I'll check in with an ophthalmologist and set up my next yearly appointment.
A Pastor's Role in Closing the Achievement Gap
I've written a couple of mostly philosophical posts lately about the state of education. I want to now suggest some practical ideas for churches over the next few weeks. Of the two things I want to present (the second one in a few days), the first I mention will be largely free. The second will add costs to the program, depending on where the church takes it.
First of all, pastors and church leaders can take a very direct part in changing the culture of a community. It is widely believed that part of the effect of a student's economic status affecting his or her grades in school is that his/her folks do not foster a supportive educational home life. I don't blame them, at least not directly. If my parents were desperately trying to afford to put food on the table and clothes on my body, then I would understand their focus on having a job and a paycheck over me getting educated. This would especially be true in families where my income as a student might be vital to help cover expenses.
Yet if parents don't understand that they hold the key to their children advancing in the world further than they did, then this cycle will continue with minimal improvement. Therefore, pastors could, especially in low-income communities, be tackling the problem head on. I will never tell a preacher what to speak on for that is not my place. Perhaps it does warrant a sermon. I can definitely see where that would be beneficial. Yet perhaps it could be through announcements, education classes for parents, anything else to generally change the unfortunate culture that pervades some areas of our country. For those pastors who have the options for social media, they can use that as well. Education needs to be a priority.
And it only makes sense. I will show evidence from a study in another post, but the fact is, helping students learn to read (and adults for that matter) create a smarter, more active church body. Reading is the key to learning, so if a church can break through the culture of not prioritizing learning, then it can help further the Kingdom.
Churches have helped change the American landscape in many ways for many good causes. And many of them affected people outside of the church, like civil rights, for example. This is something that the church could do. It could work. It might not affect families outside the church immediately, but it would be a start. And best of all...you can start today!
First of all, pastors and church leaders can take a very direct part in changing the culture of a community. It is widely believed that part of the effect of a student's economic status affecting his or her grades in school is that his/her folks do not foster a supportive educational home life. I don't blame them, at least not directly. If my parents were desperately trying to afford to put food on the table and clothes on my body, then I would understand their focus on having a job and a paycheck over me getting educated. This would especially be true in families where my income as a student might be vital to help cover expenses.
Yet if parents don't understand that they hold the key to their children advancing in the world further than they did, then this cycle will continue with minimal improvement. Therefore, pastors could, especially in low-income communities, be tackling the problem head on. I will never tell a preacher what to speak on for that is not my place. Perhaps it does warrant a sermon. I can definitely see where that would be beneficial. Yet perhaps it could be through announcements, education classes for parents, anything else to generally change the unfortunate culture that pervades some areas of our country. For those pastors who have the options for social media, they can use that as well. Education needs to be a priority.
And it only makes sense. I will show evidence from a study in another post, but the fact is, helping students learn to read (and adults for that matter) create a smarter, more active church body. Reading is the key to learning, so if a church can break through the culture of not prioritizing learning, then it can help further the Kingdom.
Churches have helped change the American landscape in many ways for many good causes. And many of them affected people outside of the church, like civil rights, for example. This is something that the church could do. It could work. It might not affect families outside the church immediately, but it would be a start. And best of all...you can start today!
The Big 12 and Me
Ok, so I was born a Kansas farmboy and I suppose I still am, at least in some ways. I cut my teeth as a Kansas fan in 1988 watching the Jayhawks take down Oklahoma in the NCAA basketball championship and I screamed at the top of my lungs when they won again in 2008 as well as all of the Final Four appearances along the way. I've been angry when they lost, excited and arrogant when they won, and generally a nuisance in between. If I could have, or could in the future, afford to go to Kansas, then I would, just so I could say that it was actually "my" college.
When it comes to football, I'll root for whoever I feel like rooting for, and when it comes to pro basketball, I usually root for whoever has a KU player on the team. I love KU basketball that much.
Yes, I'm devestated that KU hasn't been invited to another conference. I'm sick about it. I know the money is in football, but I can't help it. I think it's pathetic how little the basketball program has garnered. I don't know all of the political issues wrapped up in the fact that the Cornhuskers, which can't play basketball and had forgotten how to play football until a few years ago, trumps the powerhouse that KU is in basketball. Maybe having more than triple the number of basketball championships, both national and conference, means nothing to anyone else, but I am a Jayhawk! My blood boils at this situation.
No, Kansas doesn't have all of the media markets, but a conference that brings the school into its fold will have more competition than it can handle and will immediately see why everyone in the Big 12 respects the Jayhawks.
One of the things that I'm most concerned with is if KU will have competition at its future conference. WAC? Mountain West? Sun Belt? None of them have the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, and recently, the likes of K-State. For basketball, only the Mountain West has competition, and that is only because of SDSU and UNLV. Will such a lack of full-on competition spell the end of KU basketball? I hope not.
So earn all of your money Nebraska, and play your football (I'll be rooting for Penn State, in case you're wondering), and I just hope that whatever conference gets KU is ready.
When it comes to football, I'll root for whoever I feel like rooting for, and when it comes to pro basketball, I usually root for whoever has a KU player on the team. I love KU basketball that much.
Yes, I'm devestated that KU hasn't been invited to another conference. I'm sick about it. I know the money is in football, but I can't help it. I think it's pathetic how little the basketball program has garnered. I don't know all of the political issues wrapped up in the fact that the Cornhuskers, which can't play basketball and had forgotten how to play football until a few years ago, trumps the powerhouse that KU is in basketball. Maybe having more than triple the number of basketball championships, both national and conference, means nothing to anyone else, but I am a Jayhawk! My blood boils at this situation.
No, Kansas doesn't have all of the media markets, but a conference that brings the school into its fold will have more competition than it can handle and will immediately see why everyone in the Big 12 respects the Jayhawks.
One of the things that I'm most concerned with is if KU will have competition at its future conference. WAC? Mountain West? Sun Belt? None of them have the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, and recently, the likes of K-State. For basketball, only the Mountain West has competition, and that is only because of SDSU and UNLV. Will such a lack of full-on competition spell the end of KU basketball? I hope not.
So earn all of your money Nebraska, and play your football (I'll be rooting for Penn State, in case you're wondering), and I just hope that whatever conference gets KU is ready.
Go Liberty!
I don't know a person, particularly someone who has athletic inclinations, who wouldn't be proud of his university when it succeeds. This is even more true in that the university I am currently attending, Liberty University, has just had a student won the 10K at nationals! As a very amature long-distance runner, I am fascinated by these races, who wins them, and so on. So congrats to Sam Chelanga.
You can read more about it HERE.
You can read more about it HERE.
Building Basics in Education
Last week I made two statements, namely that I thought the church could close the achievement gap and that I thought it should. Those statement sparked quite a bit of discussion for a blog this size, and I'm grateful for all of the thoughts, anonymous and otherwise. I want to continue in this thread today and probably about once a week or so.
Today I want to focus on one area that the church can help with the issues of education, that is: Building Basics in Education. My brother suggested that it isn't the church's responsibility to teach subjects like psychology, social studies, etc. I agree with those sentiments. However, the church can definitely take it upon its shoulders to provide a series of basics for children in the inner cities and other low-income areas of the country. Many churches in the USA provide tutoring services. These could become the model for other churches to emulate. I will showcase some of these in the future.
I am convinced that any child who can read can be a self-learner. Therefore, I believe that any child who can read can add his or her score as the achievement gap closes. If churches would join together to provide some of these classes to build basics of reading and math in the lives of our low-income students, I believe our schools would be better off, our communities would be better off, and most importantly, our students would have better opportunities to succeed.
Today I want to focus on one area that the church can help with the issues of education, that is: Building Basics in Education. My brother suggested that it isn't the church's responsibility to teach subjects like psychology, social studies, etc. I agree with those sentiments. However, the church can definitely take it upon its shoulders to provide a series of basics for children in the inner cities and other low-income areas of the country. Many churches in the USA provide tutoring services. These could become the model for other churches to emulate. I will showcase some of these in the future.
I am convinced that any child who can read can be a self-learner. Therefore, I believe that any child who can read can add his or her score as the achievement gap closes. If churches would join together to provide some of these classes to build basics of reading and math in the lives of our low-income students, I believe our schools would be better off, our communities would be better off, and most importantly, our students would have better opportunities to succeed.
How God Saved my Daughter, PT II
Though I could not see it, my daughter was in God's hands the entire time. I'm ashamed to admit that, because it means I admit it without having had the faith to see it at the time. I'm embarrassed by my actions, but hopefully someone can learn from them. So here's the rest of the story.
Apparently, the Navy has a safety valve in the detailing process. Any orders given to someone who has an Exceptional Family Member (we're category 4 out of 5) has to have their orders screened by the EFMP staffer at the detailer office. I had no idea.
We had already made contact with Samantha's future providers on base at Dahlgren, and everyone there was very sweet and helpful, particularly toward Alicia as she dealt with the reality of our situation. And when it came down to it, they didn't think we should be there any more than we did. They knew that Dahlgren could not truly support us.
So I got a call asking me if they could inform the EFMP staffer in the detailing office to have my orders canceled. I couldn't believe I was hearing it. I started welling up and being overcome with shame. I knew I had sinned against my Father. I was so grateful and embarrassed at the same time! I thanked the nurse profusely and hung up. Two days later, I called my detailer to find out that we were being reassigned to Great Lakes Naval Station, north of Chicago, which is no more than a half hour from a treatment center.
Alicia and I know that cystic fibrosis isn't a quick killer. Samantha probably wouldn't have died in Virginia. However, we are convinced that her life would have been shortened by being so far from proper care. Her quality of life has been strengthened just by the fact that we're going to be much closer to a treatment center. God has provided.
God has been kind to me, refusing to take me on like Job. Nevertheless, I feel like Job a little, particularly in Chapter 40:
4 "I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer—
twice, but I will say no more."
God spared my family a lot of heartache when he provided for the wonderful nurse and the EFMP contact in Virginia, as well as the safety valve in the detailing process. He knew, long before I did, that he had no intention of taking us through Dahlgren. Instead, he forced us to rely on him (Alicia did so much better than I did!). In the end, our daughter was placed in God's hands, and he proved to be a magnificent father.
Apparently, the Navy has a safety valve in the detailing process. Any orders given to someone who has an Exceptional Family Member (we're category 4 out of 5) has to have their orders screened by the EFMP staffer at the detailer office. I had no idea.
We had already made contact with Samantha's future providers on base at Dahlgren, and everyone there was very sweet and helpful, particularly toward Alicia as she dealt with the reality of our situation. And when it came down to it, they didn't think we should be there any more than we did. They knew that Dahlgren could not truly support us.
So I got a call asking me if they could inform the EFMP staffer in the detailing office to have my orders canceled. I couldn't believe I was hearing it. I started welling up and being overcome with shame. I knew I had sinned against my Father. I was so grateful and embarrassed at the same time! I thanked the nurse profusely and hung up. Two days later, I called my detailer to find out that we were being reassigned to Great Lakes Naval Station, north of Chicago, which is no more than a half hour from a treatment center.
Alicia and I know that cystic fibrosis isn't a quick killer. Samantha probably wouldn't have died in Virginia. However, we are convinced that her life would have been shortened by being so far from proper care. Her quality of life has been strengthened just by the fact that we're going to be much closer to a treatment center. God has provided.
God has been kind to me, refusing to take me on like Job. Nevertheless, I feel like Job a little, particularly in Chapter 40:
4 "I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer—
twice, but I will say no more."
God spared my family a lot of heartache when he provided for the wonderful nurse and the EFMP contact in Virginia, as well as the safety valve in the detailing process. He knew, long before I did, that he had no intention of taking us through Dahlgren. Instead, he forced us to rely on him (Alicia did so much better than I did!). In the end, our daughter was placed in God's hands, and he proved to be a magnificent father.
How God Saved my Daughter, PT I
For those of you who don't believe in miracles, don't read this post.
Samantha has cystic fibrosis. It's an ugly disease that someday will (without a cure) claim her life. You wouldn't know it if you saw her. If it weren't for the pills, the treatments, and the coughing, we wouldn't know it either. She doesn't act like someone who has a disease, but if we give it any leeway at all, it will remind us. I promise you.
When it came time to negotiate for orders after being on the USS ANTIETAM for over 4 years, I was excited to see what God would do for us. I knew that the Navy would want me to go to Dahlgren, Virginia, where I would teach class 'C'-School. This would be great for my career. If I don't make chief this year, then I would definitely have a head start on my peers for next year.
But there was a problem. Dahlgren was over 75 miles from the treatment center. And while Samantha seems healthy to everyone who doesn't know what cystic fibrosis is, she's not. She has a disease. Convincing my detailer of that proved difficult. I prayed hard for a particular set of orders that wouldn't take us to Dahlgren, and tried to convince my detailer to send me to the other location, but he wouldn't budge.
I felt betrayed, both by the Navy and, I'm embarrassed to say, by God. I resented having this disease and then believing in a God who didn't come through for me...and I told him so. I became pretty bitter for several weeks. I'm not fun as a bitter person.
God wasn't the only person I was unhappy with. The Navy didn't win over a fan either. I have served 14 years and this is what I get? I ask to be close to a treatment center for my daughter, something the Navy says it will guarantee, and then I'm told that I have to live 90 minutes from the location? Come on, man!
Then I found out from my future boss in Dahlgren that I might not even be able to teach. I might have to be in the maintenance division! The only reason I finally agreed to the orders in the first place was so I could teach! What a mess! I became even more frustrated and angry...
Continued tomorrow:
Samantha has cystic fibrosis. It's an ugly disease that someday will (without a cure) claim her life. You wouldn't know it if you saw her. If it weren't for the pills, the treatments, and the coughing, we wouldn't know it either. She doesn't act like someone who has a disease, but if we give it any leeway at all, it will remind us. I promise you.
When it came time to negotiate for orders after being on the USS ANTIETAM for over 4 years, I was excited to see what God would do for us. I knew that the Navy would want me to go to Dahlgren, Virginia, where I would teach class 'C'-School. This would be great for my career. If I don't make chief this year, then I would definitely have a head start on my peers for next year.
But there was a problem. Dahlgren was over 75 miles from the treatment center. And while Samantha seems healthy to everyone who doesn't know what cystic fibrosis is, she's not. She has a disease. Convincing my detailer of that proved difficult. I prayed hard for a particular set of orders that wouldn't take us to Dahlgren, and tried to convince my detailer to send me to the other location, but he wouldn't budge.
I felt betrayed, both by the Navy and, I'm embarrassed to say, by God. I resented having this disease and then believing in a God who didn't come through for me...and I told him so. I became pretty bitter for several weeks. I'm not fun as a bitter person.
God wasn't the only person I was unhappy with. The Navy didn't win over a fan either. I have served 14 years and this is what I get? I ask to be close to a treatment center for my daughter, something the Navy says it will guarantee, and then I'm told that I have to live 90 minutes from the location? Come on, man!
Then I found out from my future boss in Dahlgren that I might not even be able to teach. I might have to be in the maintenance division! The only reason I finally agreed to the orders in the first place was so I could teach! What a mess! I became even more frustrated and angry...
Continued tomorrow:
The Church Should End the Achievement Gap
I’ve never been a social justice person. In fact, I’ve been upset many times about the church meddling in any affair that is not directly related to the winning of souls. Please be certain that this is still my primary concern. The church was never supposed to enter into the public arena, from my limited knowledge of the scriptures.
Yet teaching children is something that believers were told to do. In many respects, it was an assumed art. Of course, Proverbs tells us that we are to, “train up a child in the way he should go…” I grant you that the public school system in America is in no way related to the sort of schools that kids went to in Biblical times. Often those schools were simply teaching kids the Law.By the way, "simply" is a misnomer. Of course I believe learning God's law is vital.
Let me be clear: I don’t think we should be mixing Christianity and the public school system. I’m not calling for prayer in school, etc. What I’m talking about is churches realizing that a problem exists: That low-income students in the United States are not keeping up with their peers when it comes to education. That is what we mean when referring to the “Achievement Gap;” that an educational achievement gap exists between students who’s parents have and students who’s parents have not. This is unsatisfactory.
Let me be frank:
I believe the church can close the achievement gap.
I believe it should.
Stay tuned for further explanation.
Yet teaching children is something that believers were told to do. In many respects, it was an assumed art. Of course, Proverbs tells us that we are to, “train up a child in the way he should go…” I grant you that the public school system in America is in no way related to the sort of schools that kids went to in Biblical times. Often those schools were simply teaching kids the Law.By the way, "simply" is a misnomer. Of course I believe learning God's law is vital.
Let me be clear: I don’t think we should be mixing Christianity and the public school system. I’m not calling for prayer in school, etc. What I’m talking about is churches realizing that a problem exists: That low-income students in the United States are not keeping up with their peers when it comes to education. That is what we mean when referring to the “Achievement Gap;” that an educational achievement gap exists between students who’s parents have and students who’s parents have not. This is unsatisfactory.
Let me be frank:
I believe the church can close the achievement gap.
I believe it should.
Stay tuned for further explanation.
Re-launch Part II: What this Blog is About
Different Frequencies was always meant to be about me, and not in a prideful sense. I wanted a place to set my words free so they wouldn’t haunt me inside my head. Since I stopped blogging a few months ago, the sleepless nights have come back. My mind races when I have nowhere to put my thoughts. So I write them here and set them free.
I have written about everything from Christianity to the military to gluttony. I would expect that I will continue writing on such a wide array of topics, but I also expect to be a bit more activist in my writing. I’m not naturally funny, so it won’t be a humorous blog and I don’t normally write too dark, so hopefully it won’t be depressing either.
Simply put: I have some thoughts that I’d like to set free.
I have written about everything from Christianity to the military to gluttony. I would expect that I will continue writing on such a wide array of topics, but I also expect to be a bit more activist in my writing. I’m not naturally funny, so it won’t be a humorous blog and I don’t normally write too dark, so hopefully it won’t be depressing either.
Simply put: I have some thoughts that I’d like to set free.
Re-launch Part I: Job Switcher
I was in training to become a pastor. The fact is that I thought I was called to become one. I would still accept that calling if it turned out to be true, but I believe I had misunderstood. I wanted to be a preacher. I wanted to influence people for the good of God’s purpose…but I also wanted to influence people for the good of God’s purpose. I know, I wrote that twice.
You see, I’m a very prideful man. In almost everything I do, I naturally look at angles to make me more important. That is, after all, what I want to be. I want to be heard. I want to be important.
Every time, God has to break me down a notch…or two…or a lot. My recent issue with orders to Virginia were part of this. I needed to rely on God only, something I’m no good at. The more I consider this as a reality, the more I realize that I am not fit to be “behind the pulpit.”
Yet God has led me very distinctly. Through my career in the Navy, I have often found myself as a guide. My best work, it would seem, has always been behind the scenes, helping people develop their sense of God’s calling for them. Most recently, a buddy of mine in the Navy applied for, and was accepted to, the chaplain program. Yet I was behind the scenes, and when his day to shine came, I got to watch from the audience. God taught me an important lesson that day…I am not meant to lead…I am meant to guide.
So I have re-focused my efforts on teaching. Currently, I’m 41 days away from starting Instructor Training (IT) School here in San Diego before transferring to Great Lakes to teach A-School. As an instructor, I will have a blessed opportunity to not only train, but to guide young sailors.
I don’t know what God has in store for me, but I’m excited to find out. I look forward to conducting some amazing research in the field of education while teaching in Great Lakes. I look forward to being more involved in my kids’ education as well. This is going to be an amazing ride!
You see, I’m a very prideful man. In almost everything I do, I naturally look at angles to make me more important. That is, after all, what I want to be. I want to be heard. I want to be important.
Every time, God has to break me down a notch…or two…or a lot. My recent issue with orders to Virginia were part of this. I needed to rely on God only, something I’m no good at. The more I consider this as a reality, the more I realize that I am not fit to be “behind the pulpit.”
Yet God has led me very distinctly. Through my career in the Navy, I have often found myself as a guide. My best work, it would seem, has always been behind the scenes, helping people develop their sense of God’s calling for them. Most recently, a buddy of mine in the Navy applied for, and was accepted to, the chaplain program. Yet I was behind the scenes, and when his day to shine came, I got to watch from the audience. God taught me an important lesson that day…I am not meant to lead…I am meant to guide.
So I have re-focused my efforts on teaching. Currently, I’m 41 days away from starting Instructor Training (IT) School here in San Diego before transferring to Great Lakes to teach A-School. As an instructor, I will have a blessed opportunity to not only train, but to guide young sailors.
I don’t know what God has in store for me, but I’m excited to find out. I look forward to conducting some amazing research in the field of education while teaching in Great Lakes. I look forward to being more involved in my kids’ education as well. This is going to be an amazing ride!
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